Surrogacy Birth Plans Part 2

The time has finally arrived! You’re at the hospital, about to give birth to the amazing surro-baby, but unfortunately the intended parents are delayed in arriving at the hospital. Perhaps they’re just an hour’s drive away, or perhaps they’re across the country and have to hop on a plane. Are you, as the surrogate, responsible for taking care of the baby until the intended parents arrive? In this blog post, we will explore the role of the surrogate and the medical staff in caring for the baby in such circumstances.

Brownstone Surrogacy understands and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive birth plans and contractual agreements. These documents address various scenarios, including the possibility of intended parents’ late arrival. Plans change — and birth plans notoriously get thrown out the window when the time comes — but forming the plan helps make sure everyone is on the same page to begin with, surrogate, intended parent(s), and hospital.

1. The Role of the Hospital Nursery

Unless you’ve mutually agreed to another plan, the baby will typically remain in the hospital nursery under the diligent care of the medical staff until his/her parents arrive. Hospitals have well-trained professionals who specialize in nurturing newborns and providing them with the utmost care.

These incredible individuals are equipped with the necessary expertise, ensuring that the baby receives proper nutrition, medical attention, warmth, and love. Through collaboration with the surrogate, the medical team will typically handle all aspects of caretaking until the intended parents’ arrival.

2. Alternative Arrangements:

While the standard practice entails keeping the baby in the nursery, some surrogates and intended parents decide to create an advanced plan to ensure a seamless transition. In such cases, upon the birth of the baby, the child may be placed in the surrogate’s hospital room until the intended parents arrive. Intended parents may also designate a local trusted friend or family member and execute a power of attorney document in advance so that this individual can make medical decisions until their arrival. Any alternative arrangement made for the comfort and reassurance to all parties would be discussed and determined in advance and the surrogate and intended parents will know the plan prior to labor and delivery.

Through proactive birth plans and contractual agreements, Brownstone Surrogacy addresses the question of what happens if the intended parents are delayed before the birth of the baby. During the second trimester, all of these plans will already be put in place to ensure that all parties are comfortable and confident during labor and delivery. Ultimately, the joyous milestone of the intended parents meeting their baby is eagerly anticipated, and every effort is made to ensure a seamless and cherished experience for all involved.